By Cassie Wandersee
The recently established Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement at Kansas State University hired a recent graduate of the master’s program in the position of managing director.
Scott Stebner completed a master’s degree in agricultural communications from Kansas State University. Prior to receiving his master’s degree, Stebner was a secondary agricultural education teacher in California and Colorado.
“I am excited to join the Center and work alongside established researchers,” says Stebner.
The Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement seeks to generate research-based knowledge related to new media technologies and rural enterprises in an effort to help small business succeed through new media marketing research. Research will be available for local, regional and national rural enterprises and others involved in improving rural life.
Stebner brings a wealth of new media marketing experience and strategy to the Center with a focus on using analytics to improve audience engagement and brand advocacy.
“I get to join two passions of mine in my new position, education and new media research, to make a positive and direct impact on rural businesses across Kansas and the nation,” says Stebner.
Lauri M. Baker, co-creator of the Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement and associate professor of agricultural communications, says, “Scott brings a myriad of diverse skills to the table that will help the Center gain a reputation for being the national leader in new media marketing research for rural businesses.”
Providing hands-on research experience for graduate and undergraduate students is another benefit of the Center.
“Scott also has years of teaching experience that will positively benefit our undergraduate and graduate students looking for opportunities in new media research and internships,” says Baker.
The Center is currently in the process of developing research and materials for rural enterprise. Keep an eye out for updates about the Center and material as it becomes available.